The attacks of September 11, 2001 are unique in American history. Like few other events, nearly everyone can remember where they were as the planes fell from the sky on that September morning. Now imbedded in the American psyche, Sept. 11 has become a day to reflect not only on the attacks, but to remember the lives of those lost that day and efforts of those who responded to the carnage so that other lives could be saved.
The 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks will prove to be no less important in the minds and hearts of people across Coweta County and the nation. And it is in that regard that a number of remembrance events will be held in Coweta.
The Sept. 11 remembrance ceremonies will begin on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on the west side steps of the historic courthouse in downtown Newnan. This is an annual event jointly sponsored by all the public safety offices and departments across Coweta County. The relatively brief remembrance ceremony will include honor guards, the laying of wreaths and comments from several speakers.
A different type of 9-11 event will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The bells at the old courthouse will ring for one minute and will be joined by sirens in this and perhaps other locations around the county as a part of the “Stop and Remember” initiative that is a part of nationwide effort that came from Senate Resolution 237 and sponsored by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (N.J.). The initiative calls for towns and counties across America to sound sirens and ring bells at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time to remember those lost in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Yet another 9-11 event will be held at 3 p.m. beginning at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Newnan. Coordinated by Verna Funk, the “Memory Walk and Remembrance Ceremony” will begin at Veterans Park located at Temple Avenue and Clark Street and proceed to the Greenville Street Park for a remembrance ceremony that will be held at 3:30 p.m.
Among those participating will be the Boy Scouts Eagle Honor Guard. The Northgate High School AFJROTC is expected to attend and will likely have its Color Guard/Sabers and Service flags available.
For more information on the “Memory Walk and Remembrance Ceremony” contact Verna Funk at 770-251-4499.
